Introducing a New Breed Of Fast-Casual Restaurants

by Gabriella Vigoreaux

on 05/02/14 at 03:01 PM

If you haven't heard already, Taco Bell is opening a new upscale fast-casual restaurant, inspiringly called U.S. Taco Co and Urban Taproom, this summer in California. The menu will feature tacos, obviously, as well as boozy milkshakes.

Taco Bell isn't the first fast food chain to class it up a notch with sit-down restaurants. KFC pretty much did the same thing with their new restaurant Super Chix, and Sbarro is opening a restaurant, Pizza Cucinova, that will serve custom pizzas and alcohol.

So what exactly sets the new breed of not quite fast casual, not quite traditional sit-down eateries apart from every other Chipotle and Panera?

The main difference is the focus on the sit-down experience, even though customers still order at the counter. Alcoholic beverages are playing a bigger role and there will be more emphasis on sustainable ingredients to satisfy the growing number of folks who constantly stress over what they are eating (What's up millenials).

According to Jeff Jenkins, Taco Bell's brand manager, "There are a lot of people who eat Mexican food who don’t come to quick-service restaurants and Taco Bell, and there is an opportunity in the fast-casual arena."

What do you think of the of the trend? Will you try out these new restaurants?

Just the thought of a taco paired with a boozy milkshake makes me nauseous. Seriously?

SAIKATA
01:18:12 PM on
05/03/14

I think Taco Bell has done a great job bringing Tex-Mex to the masses, I'm addicted to the Locos Taco Supreme in Nacho flavor! But, the consensus is to expect gastrointestinal diss-fortitude shortly after consumption!!! Please, forward the use of Epizote, the carminative, could reduce the risk & promote their business!!!